“Yes,” said Drexel.
“Ah—I do hope that nothing will go wrong!” she breathed.
She resumed her restless pacing, and again the silence of suspense settled between them.
Presently they heard a knock below. Soon the housekeeper entered and held out a letter to Drexel.
“A messenger just brought it,” he said.
The note was on heavy fashionable paper and gave off an odour of violets. Drexel glanced it through, and let out a low cry.
“What is it?” asked Sonya.
“Listen. ‘Come to me instantly. Do not fail. It is a matter of life-and-death importance.’ The note is from Countess Baronova.”
Sonya thought for a moment. “You must go,” she said.
“Not till this affair is over,” he returned. “I cannot leave you.”